After All This Time

The Best Friend I've Never Had.

Patrice's POV

"Pag yun si Ryle naghanap satin Ricci, bahala ka."

"He won't babe. Trust me. Now I need you to wear this."

Pumunta siya sa likod ko at piniringan ako tapos hinawakan niya ko sa bewang tapos pinalakad. We went out of the room based sa pagkarinig ko ng pagbukas at pagsara ng pinto. He rented a private beach resort here in Batangas. As in kami lang ang tao dito.

Medyo mahaba rin ang nilakad namin. Maya maya pa, I felt sand on my feet.

"Babe, I'll carrry you for awhile."

He lifted me up tapos humakbang siya at binaba rin ako kaagad. I felt him on my back tapos tinanggal niya ang cover sa mata ko. My eyes adjusted for a second at maya-maya pa, nakita ko na ng malinaw ang paligid. We were on the beach and we are standing in the middle of a heart shape formed by tea light candles. He pulled me closer and kissed me on the forehead.

"Happy anniversary babe."

"Happy anniversary Ricci."

"Can I ask you for another dance?"

Natawa ako.

"Wala namang music babe eh."

"So? Tara na. Yung sound na lang ng water yung gawin nating music."

He held me by the waist. My hands went to his nape and we started to dance slowly."

"Thank you for this babe. I really appreciate it so much."

"Anything for you babe. Ito kasi yung first time natin magcecelebrate ng anniversary natin together kaya I want it to be special."

He suddenly chuckled.

"Akala ko, sa 3rd anniv natin, magmumukmok nanaman ako sa kwarto at magtitingin ng pictures natin sa laptop ko. Tapos tititigan ko yun at babatiin ng Happy Anniversary. Just like what I've been doing for the past two years hahaha."

"Seryoso? Hahaha!"

"Yeah. At least on our third, hindi na picture mo ang binabati ko. I am so happy I get to spend this year's anniversary with you, baby girl."

I smiled sweetly. Kinikilig pa rin ako pag tinatawag niya kong baby girl.

"I'm happy as well babe."

The night continued. Ricci even set up a candle lit dinner for two. Nung matapos kaming kunain, niyaya ako ni Ricci magpalit ng swimsuit kaya bumalik kami sa hotel room at nagpalit. Buti na lang alam ni mommy ang mga sinusuot kong damit. Siya daw kasi ang nag-ayos ng gamit ko according to Ricci. Handang-handa talaga siya para sa surprise na to hahaha. I put my hair into a bun.

Magkahawak kamay kaming naglakad papunta sa dagat.

"Puta ang lamig ng tubig! Hahaha!!"

"Shit hahaha! Ang lamig! Bakit naman kasi naisipan mo pa ngayon magswimming Ricci! Pwede namang bukas hahaha!!"

"Para sulit ang bayad babe! Hahaha!"

His hands were on my waist while mine was draped around his neck. We were staring at each other.

"1...2...3!"

Sabay kaming lumubog sa tubig. Agad din naming tinaas ang ulo namin mula sa tubig and pushed our hair backwards. We were bth laughing heartily.

"Fuck ang lamig brrr... hahaha!"

"Hahaha kasalanan mo to Ricci hahaha!"

He stopped laughing and smiled at me. He started leaning closer to me. Napalunok ako at napapikit. I felt his lips on mine. He pulled me closer to him. My lips automatically responded to his kisses.